We’ve got a lot of football today, including a Bears game this evening. Luis and I will be streaming live on the BN Bears’ social media channels at 5:00 pm (CT) discussing the matchup. But first, we start in Baltimore, where the Ravens added Jadeveon Clowney on Friday afternoon.
- It’s been well-documented that the Baltimore Ravens were in need of some pass rush help ahead of the regular season. The Ravens landed on veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney on Friday, inking the former No. 1 overall selection to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.
- For Clowney, the Ravens are his fifth stop in his nine-year career. Clowney spent the last two seasons in Cleveland with the Browns. In his first season in Cleveland, Clowney logged nine sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. In 2022, Clowney finished with just two sacks in 12 games. His critical comments regarding the team’s defensive staff led him to finish the season inactive and be released in March.
- On Friday, Ravens head coach Jim Harbaugh called Clowney a high-energy player and a power rusher: “He’s a high-energy player. He’s a very physical player. He’s a guy when he plays; he’s kind of reckless with his body. He throws it around,” Harbaugh said of Clowney. “He’s heavy-handed, and he’s a power rusher. He’s a really good pass rusher. He’s even a little underrated as a pass rusher. [He] was a top pick in the draft and all that. But as a play-hard, heavy-handed edge setter, it gives us the chance to get four pass rushers on the field on third-down situations that are for true pass rusher-type guys. There’s a real value in that.”
- Thursday night’s Eagles and Browns game last night might have had more injuries than highlights, which is an unfortunate reality of preseason football. Six players left the game with injuries, and two Eagles — WR Tyrie Cleveland and DL Moro Oromo — suffered neck injuries and were immobilized and carted off the field. However, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said both were fine after the game.
- Unfortunately for the Eagles, cornerback Zech McPhearson suffered a torn Achilles and will miss the 2023 season (Ian Rapoport). Nolan Smith, Josh Andrews, and Olamide Zaccheaus also left the game with injuries, but none appear to be long-term concerns for either side as of this afternoon.
- The Indianapolis Colts placed DE Genard Avery on injured reserve due to a knee injury. Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the Colts joint practice with the Bears on Wednesday evening. Dulin will miss the entire 2023 season.
- The Lions waived wide receiver Denzel Mims with an injury designation after Mims suffered an ankle injury in practice that led to a calf injury rehab. According to Ian Rapoport, Mims impressed during camp and could be an interesting pickup for a team when he’s healthy. The Lions also keep their conditional pick from the trade with the Jets as a result of waiving Mims.
- Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Terron Armstead suffered a lower leg injury on Thursday after a player fell on him during practice. Armstead was carted off the field, but Armstead should be ready for Week 1.
- Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said that Vikings rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison is in concussion protocol. Addison will miss this weekend’s preseason action but could return to the field as early as next Monday.
- The Giants topped the Panthers 21-19 on Friday night. Freshly paid QB Daniel Jones completed 8 of 9 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown in his lone drive of the game. Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young completed 3 of 6 passes for 35 yards and was sacked once in his limited action last night. Speaking of Bryce Young, have you seen this making the social media rounds today?
- The Bengals and the Falcons produced the second tie of the week, this one a 13-13 stalemate. Atlanta played their starters for a while last night, and Desmond Ridder actually looked pretty good until a tipped interception went the other way. Ridder finished the night 7-9 for 80 yards. Bijan Robinson carried the ball four times for 20 yards (5.0 YPC) and caught a pass in limited action. Robinson’s first run of the game showed why everyone is so excited for him this season.
- If you missed it yesterday, check out this week’s “This Week in Football” column. It’s 2,500 words of football goodness.
- Also, as a reminder, Justin Fields is not playing tonight against the Colts.